Beer, a frothy, refreshing drink, has a long history and is loved by people all over the world. It is nicknamed "liquid bread" not only because of its rich nutritional content, but also because of its important place in human culture. However, there has been a polarizing view of the discussion about beer and health, especially the impact on the digestive system. Is beer a gentle soothing agent for stomach health, or a potential source of harm?
In ordinary life, many people like to pair a glass of beer with a glass of beer while enjoying food. Some of them may have stomach problems, but still choose beer as an after-dinner regular. Behind this choice, there is an expectation of the "stomach-nourishing" effect that beer may have.
Beer, an ancient and popular drink, consists of water, alcohol, carbonic acid, and malt extracts. Malt is fermented barley that contains a certain amount of sugar and vitamins. Among these ingredients, the presence of alcohol is an inevitable focus when we discuss beer and stomach health.
Alcohol is an organic solvent that has a direct irritating effect on the gastric mucosa. In the short term, moderate amounts of alcohol can promote gastric acid secretion and increase the activity of digestive enzymes, thereby aiding the digestion of food. However, long-term or excessive alcohol consumption can lead to damage to the gastric mucosa, leading to gastritis and even stomach ulcers. Just like a sponge soaked in a strong solvent for a long time, the gastric mucosa can also be damaged by the erosion of alcohol. Carbonic acid adds a frothy and refreshing sensation to beer, but it can also cause stomach bloating and discomfort. Carbonic acid gas builds up in the stomach and can increase pressure inside the stomach, causing some people to feel bloated or burping.
The effect of beer on the stomach is two sides of the same coin. On the one hand, certain components in beer, such as the B vitamins in malt, may have a protective effect on the gastric mucosa。B vitamins can help maintain the health of the gastric mucosa and promote blood circulation in the stomach.
However,On the other hand, the alcohol content in beer cannot be ignored. The irritant properties of alcohol may cause far more damage to the gastric lining than the protective effects of other components. Long-term consumption of large amounts of beer, especially on an empty stomach, significantly increases the risk of gastritis and stomach ulcers. In addition, for people with pre-existing gastric disorders, such as those with chronic gastritis, beer consumption may exacerbate the condition and promote the progression of the lesion.
In actual clinical cases, a close link between beer consumption and stomach problems can be seen. For example, one study showed that individuals who drank a lot of beer over a long period of time had a higher chance of developing gastritis or stomach ulcers than the general population. This relationship is particularly pronounced in men and may be related to generally higher alcohol consumption among men. In these cases, the development of stomach problems is closely related to the frequency and volume of beer consumption and personal drinking habits. Drinking on an empty stomach, drinking continuously for long periods of time, and opting for high-alcohol beers can all add to the burden on your stomach.
While enjoying beer, it is feasible to protect your stomach health. First, limit the amount of alcohol you drink and avoid drinking heavily for long periods of time。Drinking alcohol in moderation, especially when consumed with food, can reduce direct stomach irritation. Second, choose a beer with a lower alcohol content or a non-alcoholic beer. These substitutes reduce the damage that alcohol can do to the stomach while allowing people to enjoy the taste of beer.
In addition, for people with stomach problems, it is advisable to drink alcohol under the guidance of a doctor, or to avoid it。In particular, patients with gastric ulcers should strictly limit their alcohol intake to avoid aggravating the condition.